(Ganta, Nimba County, December 12, 2024)—the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with Plan International, World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and other partners, commenced its annual review meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Ganta, Nimba County. The event aimed to assess progress and challenges encountered this year while drafting a unified work plan for the upcoming year. The process aligned with the “Three Ones” principles of the NMCP: one program, one strategic plan, and one monitoring and evaluation framework. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M Kpoto, Hon. George Jacob, Assistant Minister for Policy and Planning reflected on the importance of reflection during the review process.
He lauded stakeholders and the National Malaria Control Program for their efforts in combating malaria but stressed the need for increased collaboration to achieve a malaria-free Liberia. “The review is a time for reflection, allowing us to evaluate our progress, identify challenges, and chart the way forward. While great strides have been made, there is still much work to do to ensure a malaria-free Liberia,” Hon. Jacob stated. The Assistant Planning and Policy Minister encouraged stakeholders to align their plans with the NMCP’s strategic goals, emphasizing the need for integrated activities across all counties. “We urge our partners to work along with us during our planning process for next fiscal year, to fully incorporate their activities into the NMCP’s annual plan and ensure alignment with county-level activities. This will guide our efforts in building a robust healthcare system,” Minister Jacobs added.
Dr. Trokon Washington, Manager of the National Malaria Control Program, provided an overview of the meeting. He revealed that the opportunity will be used to review performance, retrospect on how performance can be improved or replicated, discuss and analyze progress, and reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what could be improved. Dr. Washington also noted that the occasion will be used to make key decisions that will impact the program function and establish a strategic focus for the next period, January- December 2025. “This review meeting allows us to review performance, make informed decisions, and develop an integrated work plan that harmonizes the efforts of counties, partners, and the NMCP,” he noted. The review meeting is a three-day event that is expected to produce actionable recommendations and a coordinated roadmap for malaria control efforts in 2025, reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to eradicating the disease